And we’re back in Tokyo!

Akemi, who noted how much I love to sleep on the day I woke up at 7:00 a.m. woke up at 8:00 a.m. this morning!  We checked out of the Zentis, the boutique hotel Akemi absolutely fell in love with, then headed to Osaka station to purchase tickets for the shinkansen (bullet train) that proved a tad more complicated than expected.  BUT, Akemi figured it out and we eventually boarded and made the two and half hour trek back to Tokyo.

After checking into our hotel in Ginza, we made the short walk to Tsukiji market for a late lunch…

Akemi enjoying a fish cake thing on a stick.

Following up on a recommendation from Dr. Blackjack, we checked out Seagen, apparently owned by the biggest and most popular meguro.  And so I had – of course – meguro, while Akemi opted for the grilled fish.

Sometimes I think I’d like to move to Japan and open a business that offers English proofreading services to clients in the restaurant and retail business.

On the way back, I stopped to pick up these delectably bittersweet nama matcha chocolates.  I have a feeling I may need to pick up a few more for the trip back to Canada.

We met up with Dr. Blackjack (who babysit our big suitcase for us while we were in Osaka) and visited G-6, an uber upscale department store.

I thought this was interesting.  At first glance, it looks like a digital display but upon closer scrutiny, the movement and transformation is achieved by the simple flipping of the myriad surface points –

We were going to browse the Van Clef & Arpels but were informed we would need to make an appointment and the first available slot was 2-3 hours away.  As much as I would love to wait around for the opportunity to peruse some watches I won’t by, we passed and ended up going for cremia!

Delicious.

The Dior building in Ginza.

Dr. Blackjack informed us that our old haunt, Bar Goya, opens at 3:00 p.m.  It has been ages since I’ve seen my good friend Yamasaki-san, so we headed over for a few drinks.  Seven to be exact.

The day’s specials, most featuring fruit from Yamazaki-san’s hometown..  We sampled a Moscow Mule, an Irish Coffee cocktail, a pear gimlet, a strawberry cocktail, and a pomelo cocktail.  But our two favorites…

Akemi’s tomato cocktail – sweet, savory and full of umami flavor.

My incredibly refreshing orange cocktail.

Yamazaki-san.  Go visit him at Bar Goya (6 Chome-4-16 Ginza, Chuo City, Tokyo 104-0061).  Except Wednesdays when he’s closed.

Then it was time to visit the local toy store!

I need these Disney shot glasses.

Passed this place that had some sort of immersive element.  Too tired to stop and check out on this day, but maybe later this week.

Ginza at night.

Akemi stops by Uniqlo for some late night shopping…

I love Ginza this time of year.

By the time 8:30 p.m. rolled around, I was ready to call it a night.  But an early night was not in the cards as we were scheduled for a late dinner at Tokihami, a place Akemi has been dying to check out (that only had late seatings available).  To be honest, I was exhausted and left the ordering to Akemi and Dr. Blackjack.  What I didn’t expect was that I would be served the best meal of this Japan trip so far (if not my favorite meal of the year)!

We started with a tofu mochi served grilled with a sesame sauce.  The flavors were as delightful as the texture.

Kabocha (Japanese pumpkin), uni (sea urchin) and yuba (tofu skin).  A surprisingly fantastic combination.

The foie gras wafer sandwich – with a holiday theme.

The cream crab croquette.  Akemi said she was only going to have a taste as she is allergic to shellfish – and ended up eating half, allergies be damned.

Fried fugu.  Holy smokes was this good.  In taste and texture, more akin to incredibly moist chicken than fish.

The horumon (offal) bowl with white miso was the dish of the night.  Outstanding.  I probably could have ordered another one.

Uni, ikura, caviar, and massago on rice.  What a way to end the meal!

We got back to the hotel for a little after eleven.  I was still exhausted, but very content.  A few chocolates later and I was ready for bed.